Jackie O reveals drug and alcohol addiction live on air: 'Dark place'

Trigger warning: This article references substance use disorder

Radio host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson has broken down on-air as she revealed that she went to rehab for drug and alcohol addiction. The 49-year-old shared the emotional news on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Thursday morning, revealing that she checked herself into The Betty Ford Centre in California in late 2022 when she took an extended break from her radio show.

She told listeners that she was battling an addiction to painkillers, sleeping pills and alcohol, and began struggling when she separated from her husband, UK photographer Lee Henderson, in 2018 and had to spend time away from her daughter Kitty "50 per cent of the time". Jackie also shared that she took around 10-12 Stilnox sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte a day at the height of her addiction while drinking alcohol - which is against medical recommendations.

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The mother-of-one said that the residential treatment centre she checked into told her not to change “anything” about her usage before arriving, so she was still taking pills when she secretly travelled to the US.

Her co-host Kyle Sandilands, who admitted he had "no idea" about Jackie's stint at the centre, said in 2022 that Jackie was taking a break from the radio show to “focus on her health” after contracting Covid. Listeners would remember that Brittany Hockley filled in for Jackie while she was away.

Jackie apologises to listeners

Jackie, whose debut memoir 'The Whole Truth' is set for release on October 29, admitted she went “back and forth” about sharing the news publicly and she was “really grateful” that no one found out before she spoke about it herself.

“I was scared to tell people and say this out loud. I know that people will look at me differently and judge me,” she said. “I was in a really, really dark place.”

Jackie added that she wanted to speak publicly about her addiction battle to reduce the ‘stigma’ around it and help others who are struggling. She also apologised to listeners for not being open about it earlier and lying by “omission”.

“I want to apologise to our listeners and everyone in my life,” she said through tears. “I just needed to concentrate on that part, that recovery first, for that first year particularly.”

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Following her stint at The Betty Ford Centre, Jackie has remained sober and will celebrate two years of sobriety in a matter of weeks.

“My life has changed for the better and I'm really, really thankful that I did it,” she said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug and alcohol addiction, you can contact The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015

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